Qatar Airways’ twitter has been dropping hints of “the future of premium travel” on their twitter over the past few days, with cryptic tweets like the one below:
In 6 days, the future of premium travel takes shape pic.twitter.com/F86vj2nlM9
— Qatar Airways (@qatarairways) March 2, 2017
It would not be a stretch of the imagination to assume therefore that they are on the cusp of unveiling a new Business or First Class. This would directly compete with their two Gulf buddies, Emirates and Etihad.
Etihad’s unique ‘The Residence’ offers passengers a true private jet experience, featuring three separate rooms (bathroom (with shower), living room, and double bedroom). This product was essentially made to provide wealthy residents in the Gulf region and abroad an alternative to the organisation and cost of owning their own private jet.
Emirates, on the other hand, boasts a less subtle, and very in-your-face, blingy First Class ‘Suite’. With gold-plated furnishings galore, this seat took inspiration from Singapore Airlines sliding doors, providing maximum privacy, whilst pioneering the on-board shower and bar facilities.
We can only expect that Qatar are planning a similar level of luxury. That said, CEO of Qatar Airways, Akbar al Baker, has been known for his exaggeration in the past. When asked if they were planning a Premium Economy cabin, the CEO stated that their Economy was already a Premium Economy product. Questionable as their 777-300ER has now squeezed 10 seats per row into Economy…
Similar comments have been made comparing their Business Class to a First Class product, though, to be fair, their Business Class product is highly competitive. As of now, only their A380 features a First Class cabin. In fact, the question begs if they really need a First Class product… I suspect a new ‘super Business Class’ would be a more likely option..
Final thoughts
I’d say that a new first Class, or a new improved Business Class are both likely options. Either way, I’m expecting the announcement to be at the Berlin Travel Show, which starts on the 8th March – the dates add up!
What are your predictions/thoughts on these cryptic tweets from Qatar?
There is nothing cryptic here. The new business class seat is being unveiled at ITB Berlin on Wednesday. HFP is there.
I disappointedly accept the lack of crypticism – but don’t begrudge me the attempt for some suspense..!
They have said for months that this will be an unveil of their new Business class product to replace their 777 seats, not a First class product
^^ This. I’m interested in the unveiling of the new business class product. My guess is 1-2-1 with reverse herringbone on the window seats and forward-facing seats in the center that can pair up to become the ‘double bed’ that AAB has bragged about.